Ghanaians can afford to attend events; Rex Omar doesn’t speak for everyone – Efia Odo

Ghanaian actress, media personality and socialite Efia Odo, born Andrea Owusu, has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the Black Star Experience, challenging comments made by its coordinator, veteran musician Rex Omar. Efia Odo, who has featured in Ghanaian films and previously worked as a television presenter, is known for her outspoken views on entertainment and social issues.

Speaking on United Showbiz, Efia Odo criticised Rex Omar’s explanation for the slow progress of the Black Star Experience, arguing that his comments about Ghanaians struggling to afford entertainment do not represent everyone.

Rex Omar recently appealed to Ghanaians to exercise patience with the Black Star Experience, explaining that the country’s economic challenges were affecting the entertainment industry and other sectors. He questioned why someone who could not afford food would use their limited resources to attend a concert or watch a movie.

Efia Odo, however, disagreed with that argument, insisting that Rex Omar cannot speak for every Ghanaian. She noted that people continue to eat, socialise, go out and spend money on activities they value, including entertainment.

She argued that Ghanaians who want to attend events can make the financial decision to do so, stressing that Rex Omar should not assume that his assessment of people's spending abilities applies to every Ghanaian.

According to Efia Odo, the economic situation should not simply be used as an explanation for the performance of the Black Star Experience, particularly when many people continue to patronise entertainment events.

Her comments add to the ongoing public discussion about the implementation of the Black Star Experience and the factors affecting its progress. Rex Omar has previously explained that the initiative had no budgetary allocation for 2025 because the secretariat was established after the national budget had already been presented.